Ravens Outlast Browns 40-32 in High-Stakes Week 6 Game of the Week

CLEVELAND, OH — In a matchup with all the intensity of a playoff clash, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Cleveland Browns 40-32 at FirstEnergy Stadium in the Week 6 Game of the Week. Led by Lamar Jackson and a dominant defensive performance, Baltimore avenged last season’s playoff defeat and tightened its grip on the AFC North.

The victory was especially meaningful for Ravens head coach Anthony Sahagun, who faced off against his brother, Browns head coach Marcus Sahagun, for the latest chapter of their growing rivalry. Both brothers took over their respective teams last season, and every meeting since has added another layer to this compelling family feud.

“This one was personal,” said Lamar Jackson. “We remembered what happened last year in the playoffs, and we weren’t going to let it happen again.”

Game Recap

The Browns started strong, opening the scoring in the first quarter with a 23-yard field goal by Dustin Hopkins to give Cleveland a 3-0 lead.

In the second quarter, the Ravens found their offensive rhythm. Lamar Jackson connected with Danny Gray for an 8-yard touchdown to put Baltimore ahead 7-3. The Browns responded with Hopkins’ second field goal, a 41-yarder, to make it 7-6. However, Jackson struck again just before halftime, finding rookie Devontez Walker for a 38-yard touchdown. Hopkins closed the half with a 45-yard field goal, leaving the Browns trailing 14-9 at the break.

“We knew we had to weather the storm early,” said Ravens head coach Anthony Sahagun. “The Browns are a tough team at home, but we stayed patient, and our guys delivered.”

The third quarter began explosively for Baltimore as Odafe Oweh scooped up a fumble and returned it 31 yards for a touchdown, extending the Ravens’ lead to 21-9. The Browns answered back with quarterback Joe Milton III connecting with David Njoku for a 26-yard touchdown to narrow the gap to 21-16. Moments later, Cleveland’s defense came up big as Greg Newsome II intercepted Jackson and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown, bringing the Browns within striking distance at 21-19.

“We knew we needed a spark,” said Greg Newsome II. “That play was all about being in the right place at the right time. We just couldn’t hold on.”

In the fourth quarter, Hopkins continued his stellar performance, nailing a 56-yard field goal to give Cleveland its first lead since the first quarter, 22-21. Milton III then hit Anthony Schwartz for a 22-yard touchdown pass, pushing the Browns ahead 29-21. But the Ravens refused to fold. Jackson answered with an 11-yard rushing touchdown to bring Baltimore within two points, though the two-point conversion attempt failed.

With time winding down, the Ravens’ defense delivered the knockout punch. Safety Marcus Williams intercepted Milton III and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown, swinging the momentum back to Baltimore. Running back Derrick Henry iced the game with a 39-yard touchdown run, sealing the Ravens’ thrilling 40-32 victory.

“When it’s winning time, we lean on our defense and the big guys up front,” Henry said. “That’s Ravens football.”

After the game, Browns head coach Marcus Sahagun reflected on the loss to his brother. “It stings. They made the big plays when they had to, and we came up short. I’m proud of the fight, but we’ll see them again.”

Key Stats

For the Ravens, quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 16 of 30 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns while adding 9 rushing yards on 7 carries, including a touchdown run. Wide receiver Danny Gray led all receivers with 6 catches for 41 yards and a touchdown, while rookie Devontez Walker added 61 yards and a score. Running back Derrick Henry rushed for 78 yards on 14 carries, including a decisive 39-yard touchdown.

For the Browns, quarterback Joe Milton III threw for a staggering 441 yards on 28 completions, tossing two touchdowns and one interception. Tight end David Njoku recorded 9 receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Anthony Schwartz tallied 6 receptions for 105 yards and a score. However, Cleveland’s ground game was held to just 33 rushing yards, a shocking performance for a team led by Nick Chubb.

Injuries

No injuries were reported for the Browns after the game. However, the Ravens suffered a setback as wide receiver Rashod Bateman sustained broken ribs and is expected to miss five weeks.

Up Next

The Ravens (5-1) return home next week to host the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, the Browns (3-3) will remain at FirstEnergy Stadium to take on the Detroit Lions.